CDT: First Leg Gear Review

ByPurple Haze Posted on

We just finished our six-day float down Idaho’s Middle Fork Salmon River – what a great trip down a wild, beautiful, scenic river! Scouted out a piece of the Idaho Centennial Trail and took hikes, mostly to hot springs on or near the river. Saw plenty of bighorns and even managed to catch a few cutthroat trout.

Mrs. Haze on the Middle Fork Salmon River

I got more solitude on the CDT but floated down with a great bunch – and ate well and often.

Been asked about some newer gear I used on the first leg of the CDT so a few comments.

  • Zpacks Arc Blast – love this light, water resistant pack and about the right size for me. The shoulder pouch and two belt pouches were well used. A few small punctures to repair – hope it lasts!
  • Zpacks Hexamid Solo Plus tent – erecting this tent became second nature. With some fine tuning, no problems with rain, snow, hail and wind.
  • Zpacks 10-degree sleeping bag – for comfort and warmth, much prefer my Marmot Helium bag. Glad I wasn’t tested too much at 10 degrees.
  • Patagonia Houdini Wind Jacket – wore this often and also my first defense on rain and hail. If it got too bad, I would just throw the tent over my head, lean against a tree and take a nap.
  • Darn Tough Socks – the best, most comfortable and durable socks out there.
  • Anker 10,000 mAh external battery – 8 ounces bought me usually enough iPhone charges for pretty heavy use in navigation, books and podcasts.